Khenti Pratt’s community garden was an oasis for neighbors, and a source of sustenance and pride. She poured time and money into transforming a blighted Philadelphia lot into a space teeming with vegetables and flowers, the site of classes and other community events, and the winner of a City Gardens Contest award. But after 17 years, the Philadelphia woman found...
Police want to know who burned dozens of beehives in a town just south of Houston. One of the beekeepers said the losses are truly staggering. “We’re looking at 500,000 to 600,000 (bees) that have been destroyed out of that environment,” Steve Brackmann, who sells beekeeping supplies and queen bees, told CNN affiliate KTRK. “It’s bad...
The Dutch have a progressive way of thinking and acting that can stand as a model for many countries. Remember how long cannabis has been decriminalized there? They also have outstanding prenatal and postpartum care (with the view that birth is a natural occurrence, not a medical emergency) with 16 weeks paid maternity leave and 6 weeks paid paternity leave. Now...
The iridescent blue wings of the California pipevine swallowtail are considered by collectors to be among the most magnificent in North America. For centuries the beautiful butterfly thrived in the San Francisco and around the Bay Area. But as the region became increasingly urbanized in the early 1900s, the pipevine swallowtail began to disappear. Today it’s an...
The concept of a permaculture garden is to provide long-term solutions that maximize outputs and minimize inputs while cycling energy and resources through the system. This creates closed-loop efficiency within your system and prevents excess waste. In fact, one of permaculture’s most favored sayings is ‘there’s no such thing as waste, just things in the wrong...
Eight years ago, after they were evicted from their Santa Monica apartment, John and Molly Chester bought 200 acres of land just outside of Los Angeles with the dream of becoming full-fledged farmers. But 2011 would mark the beginning of a six-year drought, and the property was already eerily reminiscent of Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl. Instead of nutrient-rich dark...
Living in an apartment, I long for a backyard where I can have sprawling planter beds, fruit trees and giant pots of flowers. I don’t have to put those dreams on hold entirely, though. With a container garden, I can make use of what little outdoor space I have to grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Whether you have a few feet of balcony space or several inches...
A new study from the University of Colorado Boulder found a certain type of bacteria in the soil helps reduce stress and overall, could make you happier. Previous studies around the world have come to similar conclusions, but CU’s research may be the first step to a stress immunization for first responders and soldiers. “What we’d like to do is look at effects...
The word Walipini, derived from the Aymaran language and an indigenous Bolivian tribe, is translated as “a place of warmth” and is an earth-sheltered cold frame or transparent-roofed enclosure. This underground greenhouse was created for the cold regions of South America to maintain food production year round but is now being adopted by gardeners of all skill...
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A few years ago we adopted a couple large rabbits from a local rescue organization. They exclusively rescue rabbits from shuttered pet stores and from owners who no longer want to care for them. They have many rabbits all waiting for a good home and we’ve discovered what valuable pets rabbits can be. First, a little background. We tried to keep the rabbits...
In case you’ve somehow missed it: The bees are dying and yes, it’s something we should all care a lot about, because bees are IMPORTANT. We have bees to thank for around one-third of the world’s food supply, including avocados, almonds, onions, and a whole lot of fruits and vegetables that would be extremely missed if they were to disappear. But...
Labyrinths are beautiful. Their circular, geometric paths allow for walking meditations, and they are rich with symbolism. Some people have made the analogy that walking through a labyrinth is like taking a journey to the center of one’s self and then, eventually, emerging back into the world. Now picture a labyrinth made of paths of lavender plants and earth mounds....
“National Weather Service meteorologists noticed something puzzling on their radar screens in Southern California on Tuesday evening — a big green blob. “It was very strange because it was a relatively clear day and we weren’t really expecting any rain or thunderstorms,” Casey Oswant, a NWS meteorologist in San Diego, tells NPR. “But...
Miami Beach Coast, Florida (Photo by Hoberman Collection/UIG via Getty Images) “Miami city commissioners voted to outlaw the use of all weedkillers containing glyphosate on all city-owned property Thursday. City employees and contractors will have to find more eco-friendly alternatives to use on city streets, sidewalks, and parks, and residents are strongly...
“When you have a large garden the DIY project possibilities are almost endless. You can build anything you wish if you have some extra time and some money to invest. So, if you’re looking for a new outdoor project, then this beautiful bean tunnel might be the inspiration you need. The owner of the tunnel is April from Wahsega Valley Farm and made the tunnel...
Organic gardening is as popular as ever, and the methods we use plays a critical role in our health and the health of the planet. There are many different all-natural fertilizers that you can use in your garden or with potting soil. Some of these fertilizers can be made or collected at home using common items from your pantry or your backyard. Here are 8 of our favorite DIY fertilizers...
Inspired small gardens for houses and apartments Many people have the desire to own a green area in their residence, so the small gardens have taken up space in the area of decorating and landscaping. To make a beautiful garden does not take many expenses, simply organize the essential items in stages and have a good taste in choosing the plants and accessories that...
If you are a parent, you should probably think about one good question: should your children be taught to grow food at school? The modern era is marked by the constant advancements in technology, and the new inventions have provided the comfort and conveniences that we never even imagined to live in. However, we lost a large part of the needed real-world knowledge...
1. Peppermint Castile Soap, via Rocky Hedge Farm – GET THE RECIPE! “There is a variety of things that can be done in a garden to help control the critters and insects that find the vegetable patch their tasty treat for the day. Companion planting, attracting birds and good insects, and even hand picking some of the bugs and placing them in a bucket of...
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